Amobarbital

AMYTAL

Open Amobarbital in the interactive console ↗

Amobarbital ballicule: receptor binding, kinetics and half-life diagram — Mechanism of action: Amobarbital ballicule

Amobarbital AMYTAL mascot mnemonic cartoon — Visual mnemonic: Amobarbital mascot
**“Am I tall?”**

What it isIntermediate-acting barbiturate that positively modulates the GABA-A receptor, prolonging chloride channel opening.

Why this oneIts historical niche is the "Amytal interview" and, in neurology, the intracarotid Wada test for hemispheric language and memory lateralization.

What limits itBarbiturates have no ceiling on respiratory depression, a narrow therapeutic index, high dependence liability and strong CYP induction; hence their displacement by benzodiazepines.

Amobarbital molecular structure (skeletal formula) — Molecular structure: Amobarbital

Amobarbital prescription history

Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Sleep meds (1869–2026). Amobarbital enters in 1923 (estimated).

FDA-approved for

sedative-hypnotic

NO BOXED WARNINGS

Classes and tags

Schedule II controlled substances

Clinical profile

Therapeutic safety burden3 / 4

Sedation liability3 / 4

Direct muscarinic antagonism0 / 4

Embryofetal risk3 / 4

Open Amobarbital in the interactive console ↗

Self-check

What does the intracarotid Wada test assess?
Hemispheric language and memory lateralization.
Do barbiturates have a ceiling on respiratory depression?
No.